I'm often asked...

Life after death

Someone inquired whether the ideas of Sharon Bates in Undetected regarding life after death mirror my own views. The answer to that question perplexed me for moment, as I have quite an open mind when it comes to many things, but I have to settle comfortably into a "yes". I wrote the chapter "An Alarming Tale" while exploring my own thoughts about life after death. Are the scenarios described by Sharon the only way that you may end up in the afterlife? Well, who knows for sure. I suppose that's why everyone has their own take on it. We won't know until we get there. Or will we?

What's on the menu and the physicality of characters

Question: You write about veganism in The Leader of Nature, the sequel to Deep in the Forest. Are you a Vegan? Also, you discuss physical abnormalities. Is this something you want to talk about?Firstly, I'm not a vegan. I know a couple of people who are and I live a omnivore lifestyle, so I decided to do some research to understand their choices better and to bring attention to this choice. The Leader of Nature has gotten a lot of attention for an assortment of reasons. It is the second and last book (for now) following the Deep in the Forest characters. This book highlights and embraces human differences and interests. It introduces veganism to a group of travelers who only knew how to live by hunting. Also, there is a person who is born with a physical abnormality and the travelers naturally accept him based on his personality. It emphasizes tolerance and acceptance of others that are different from the “norm,” and other core human values. I tried my best to introduce these in a fast-paced, nonjudgmental adventure/fantasy story geared toward a young adult audience. I should also share that there are undertones in this book that reflect the author’s experience of growing up around both a devout vegan and an avid hunter.

Inspired by family and what I know or think of

What was your inspiration for Undetected? Undetected is the first thriller written by the author. It was inspired by her son’s love for mysterious and unexplained phenomenon. The story brings you to many places throughout western MA, CT, and NY. Many of these places I have visited and know well, some I do not. The picture above is one that I took of a tree on the town common in Hadley, MA. It reminded me of the arm of the tree that Alicia was found on. To the left, you will see a tree in Quabbin Reservoir by the Ware, MA/Belchertown, MA side that is similar. I snapped that shot a year after Undetected was published in 2007. Sometimes images that I see will inspire ideas for my books and sometimes I will see an image that I have already written about! Perhaps the image snuck into my subconscious or it was just "born". Who knows! The references to faraway islands came from talking to a family member about their trip. These discussions were combined with research to help me write accurately about the settings described. I have never left the US myself, but have often dreamed of the tropics as I'm sure some of you have, also!

Deep in the Forest came from the forest

I noticed that the entire setting of your first book, Deep in the Forest, takes place in the forest and the characters respect the environment even though they are fighting for their lives. Can I guess that you like the outdoors?Absolutely. I love to go camping and hiking and would probably live outside if ticks and mosquitoes did not exist! The characters appreciate the earth as I do and they try their best to respect all that it has to offer.

Mr. Brent is weird

Mr. Brent has some crazy parties and acts very strange. Do you know anyone like this? If you are asking if I know strange people, then I would have to scream 'YES!!!" at the top of my lungs. Honestly, Mr. Brent came from some dreams I had. He is not anyone that I know personally, but perhaps a combination of many, many people. My husband says that some of Janey's mannerisms and interests reflect my own, aside of the law-breaking behavior.